In a major move to tackle rising obesity levels, the UK government has launched the 'Better Health' campaign, aiming to improve public health, reduce pressure on the NHS, and increase resilience against serious illnesses such as COVID-19.
Among the key changes:
- The end of "Buy One, Get One Free" deals on high-calorie, low-nutrition foods
- A ban on junk food adverts before 9pm
- Calorie labelling on restaurant menus to promote transparency and healthier choices
These measures come in response to strong evidence that obesity significantly increases the risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19. According to Public Health England (PHE):
"Living with excess weight is consistently associated with increased COVID-19 risk: hospitalisation, intensive care treatment, and mortality. These risks rise progressively with higher BMI."
Why This Matters for Your Health
In the UK, nearly two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese — and these rates are rising. Obesity is not only linked to COVID-19 complications but also to long-term conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Dr. Alison Tedstone, Chief Nutritionist at PHE, puts it simply:
“The case for action on obesity has never been stronger.”
But losing weight — and keeping it off — can be incredibly difficult without the right support. That’s where Weight Medics comes in.
How Weight Medics Supports Your Weight Loss Journey
At Weight Medics, we believe effective, medically supported weight loss can transform your health — and your life. Our team offers personalised treatment plans based on your individual needs, lifestyle, and goals.Medical Weight
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide): A GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist that helps control appetite and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Wegovy (semaglutide): A once-weekly GLP-1 medication proven to aid significant weight loss and long-term weight maintenance.
- Phentermine: A fast-acting appetite suppressant suitable for short-term support when combined with a structured plan.
Our clinicians help determine which treatment — or combination — is right for you.
What We Offer:
- Personalised, doctor-led weight loss plans
- Meal planning and nutrition guidance
- Wellness checks and monitoring, both in-person and online
- Ongoing support via virtual consultations
- Access to safe and effective prescription medications like Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Phentermine
Whether you're concerned about COVID-19 risks, long-term health, or simply want to feel your best, Weight Medics provides the tools to take control of your weight — and your future.
Start Your Journey With Us
If you’ve been thinking about making a change, there’s never been a more important time to take action. Our expert medical weight loss team is ready to support you every step of the way.
Book your free consultation today to get started.
Together, we can beat obesity — and build a healthier future for all.
Related blog- Beyond the Prescription: Why Sustainable Weight Loss Needs a Holistic Model of Care
References
GOV.UK. New obesity strategy unveiled as country urged to lose weight to beat coronavirus (COVID-19) and protect the NHS
Public Health England. Excess weight and COVID-19: insights from new evidence
NHS Digital. Statistics on Obesity, Physical Activity and Diet, England
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Obesity: identification, assessment and management
World Health Organization (WHO). Obesity and overweight
What action has the UK government taken to tackle obesity?
The government launched the Better Health campaign and committed to restricting advertising of high-fat, high-sugar foods on television before 9pm. Calorie labelling became mandatory for large food businesses. The NHS was also tasked with expanding access to weight management services, including referral pathways for prescription weight loss medications. More recently, GLP-1 medications like Wegovy (Semaglutide) were approved for use through NHS and private clinics.
What are the 4 pillars of obesity treatment?
The four pillars recognised by the Obesity Medicine Association are nutrition therapy, physical activity, behavioural modification, and medical intervention. Nutrition therapy focuses on a balanced, sustainable eating plan. Physical activity builds muscle and supports metabolism. Behavioural modification addresses emotional eating and habit patterns. Medical intervention includes prescription medications and, where appropriate, surgery. The most effective programmes combine all four rather than relying on any single approach.
Is obesity linked to high cholesterol?
Yes, strongly. Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, raises levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while lowering protective HDL cholesterol. This combination increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. Losing even 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can improve your cholesterol profile significantly. Weight loss medications that target appetite and fat storage often produce measurable improvements in blood lipid levels alongside the weight reduction itself.
What is the #1 weight loss pill over the counter?
Orlistat (sold as Alli in its lower-dose form) is the only weight loss medication currently available over the counter in the UK. It works by blocking roughly a third of the fat you eat from being absorbed. Results are modest compared to prescription alternatives like Wegovy (Semaglutide) or Mounjaro (Tirzepatide). For stronger, clinician-supervised options, a prescription weight loss programme offers medications that target appetite and metabolism more directly.
